Jean de La Fontaine, born on July 8, 1621, in Château-Thierry, France, was a renowned French poet and fabulist. His career highlights include publishing his famous “Fables” in multiple volumes from 1668 to 1694, drawing inspiration from Aesop to create witty, moral tales that critique human nature and society. La Fontaine was elected to the Académie Française in 1684, cementing his legacy as a master of literature. His works continue to influence writers and thinkers worldwide. The quotes featured here are sourced from his books, specifically his fables, which offer profound life lessons. This list presents 15 insightful quotes about life, showcasing his timeless wisdom.
15 Jean de La Fontaine Quotes
1. “Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.” (Fables, “The Lion and the Rat,” 1668)
2. “By the street of ‘Bye and Bye,’ one arrives at the house of ‘Never.'” (Fables, “The Grasshopper and the Ant,” 1668)
3. “Help yourself, and heaven will help you.” (Fables, “Hercules and the Wagoner,” 1668)
4. “Nothing is more dangerous than a friend without discretion.” (Fables, “The Bat and the Two Weasels,” 1668)
5. “Luck can be helped along, but it can never be forced.” (Fables, “The Fisherman and the Little Fish,” 1668)
6. “A good name is better than riches.” (Fables, “The Two Mules,” 1668)
7. “Man is so made that when anything fires his soul, impossibilities vanish.” (Fables, “The Oak and the Reed,” 1668)
8. “The finest words in the world are only vain sounds if you cannot understand them.” (Fables, “The Astronomer,” 1668)
9. “Beware, so long as you live, of judging people by appearances.” (Fables, “The Crow and the Fox,” 1668)
10. “One sometimes finds what one is not looking for.” (Fables, “The Shepherd and the Sea,” 1668)
11. “It is impossible to please all the world and one’s father.” (Fables, “The Man and His Two Wives,” 1668)
12. “People who make no noise are dangerous.” (Fables, “The Lion and the Gnat,” 1668)
13. “He who is born for the gallows is safe from drowning.” (Fables, “The Charlatan,” 1668)
14. “We must laugh before we are happy, for fear of dying without having laughed.” (Fables, “The Old Man and the Three Young Men,” 1678)
15. “In everything one must consider the end.” (Fables, “The Fox and the Crow,” 1668)
These quotes from Jean de La Fontaine illuminate his deep understanding of life’s intricacies, stressing themes of perseverance, human flaws, and moral growth through simple yet profound fables. They reveal a man who used storytelling to convey enduring truths about existence, encouraging self-reflection and wisdom. How do these insights resonate with your own experiences? Share your thoughts and favorite quotes in the comments below.